Letters to the editor: Hotel, public projects rapped

I guess it doesn't surprise me that Erie County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper was for the Erie County Convention Center Authority to build a hotel ("Hotel meeting set," Erie Times-News, Feb. 11).

Anything to increase the size and spending of government. They are taking a $65,000 payment for 30 years for the risk of a public guarantee on bonds. Is this like UPMC Hamot and Gannon University paying less combined than the person who owns the Modern Tool building?

Then Mayor Joe Sinnott gets on TV and tells everyone how thankful we are for the puny amount they really pay. Does anyone really believe that UPMC Hamot and Gannon are nonprofit?

Who do you think is going to make the payments if the Convention Center defaults on the hotel bond? If it is owned by the government and guaranteed by the taxpayers, I guess the taxpayers are going to make the payment.

There is something drastically wrong when government competes with private business. I've been to the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel next to the Convention Center a few times and a lot of Nick Scott's places. I would have to say I would pick Scott's places any day over the Sheraton.

Bob MacykoErie

Taxpayers'

wishes ignored

We the taxpayers are once again the victims of taxation with dubious representation. We may have been better off without any representation.

In any case, County Council has stuck to its guns and voted contrary to what its constituents wanted. I will not beat up the facts pro or con for the new hotel by the Convention Center at the bayfront. The more important issue here is right and wrong. Our so-called representatives on County Council voted against our wishes.

Kudos to council members Carol Loll and Andre Horton -- they have at least listened. On the other hand, I don't know what the remaining council members' agenda was. In any case, voters of Erie County, remember their names at re-election time -- County Council Chairman Kyle Foust and members Ed DiMattio, Jay Breneman and Phil Fatica. I wish there could be a recall.

It is not nice to be sold down the river for a measly $65,000-a-year payment. If the Erie County Convention Center Authority defaults on its loans, this payment won't even pay interest on the loan. I guess it doesn't really matter because this payment will be long gone on another possibly inconsequential project. Maybe this money could be put into a discretionary fund so County Council could install name tags in this newest hotel?

In this time of uncertain economy, the taxpayer has spoken and was once again ignored. If County Council was to err, it might have been better to err where it would inflict no damage.

Royce L. KosnikUnion City

Attractions

sorely needed

When I first heard about the Erie County Convention Center Authority's plans to build a second hotel on the west side of the Bayfront Convention Center, I thought it was a good idea. It has a proven track record with all the buildings under its control (Erie Insurance Arena, Jerry Uht Park and the Warner Theatre).

So, if it thinks it will help the Convention Center, I was somewhat on board. My only disappointment would be that it is getting $25 million from the state. Ever since I've heard different plans for the adjacent former GAF Materials Corp. site, I have been hoping that someone would try to put a tourist attraction on that property.

Whether it was an aquarium, Imax theater or the like, I hoped something that would draw people into the city would be built. Because state funds are not unlimited, I would rather see grants or tax breaks come from Harrisburg that would make that area a tourist attraction, rather than just more condos, offices or apartments, which we already have. Then came the announcement of the development planned by the Scotts on their property east of State Street.

Now let me start off by saying I do not know the Scotts, nor do I know someone who does. In fact, I always disliked that they would only invest in areas outside the city, like in Summit, Millcreek or out of state. I always thought they made lots of money off their hometown, and I wished they would give back to this city by investing in it. But now it seems like it could finally happen.

I have listened as the Scotts have said to let them build a couple hotels as part of their project and have the Convention Center Authority put something like an Imax theater on that property where it's planning to build a second hotel. Who doesn't think that would be a win-win for all parties involved, along with the city and the entire region?

As someone who recently visited Cincinnati and walked across the Ohio River to Newport, Ky., where they have an aquarium and shops, restaurants and theaters in a downtown mall along the waterfront, I've seen what Erie could have. Why not us? Let's do it right.

P. McMahonErie

Scott Enterprises

gets hit by pitch

I worked for Scott Enterprises for two years, and I am also a taxpayer in Erie. As an employee, did I agree with all the Scotts did? No. But there is one thing for sure: They know how to develop. And they know how to make money.

The Harbor Place drawings and plans are brilliant. They didn't sleep on this idea overnight. They have been on the drawing boards with this development for years. They have already stated this would be done in phases, as a smart businessman would do. This area for decades to come would put millions into the city and county tax revenue.

Now let's jump to the other side of the plate. Build a hotel with public money. Mind you, residents have spoken, and the majority are against it. Usually there is a council of people to make a better decision than one person could.

Please enlighten me on what is to gain by this, other than getting bigger conventions.

From the Scotts' side of the batter's box, they just got hit by a pitch. Go ahead and take your base, but with a giant bruise to get you there. And from Erie County Council's side of the plate, a strikeout. A nasty strikeout with the game on the line when the taxpayers were counting on them for once to make a wise decision.

Josh KennedyErie

Development

support opposed

I've been hearing about someone wanting to build a hotel, or something, on the bayfront, but they don't have enough money. They decided that they would apply to the government in hopes of getting $12 million toward their venture.

I do hope that they can get the application in and approved before the government wastes the funds by fostering education, or to help the homeless, poor, ill, unemployed or mentally unfit. There are millions of those low-lifers across the nation.

Heaven forbid we don't get that wonderful development on the bayfront. Could we ever exist without it? Erie would surely be known as the mistake on the lake if we lose out on this prestigious opportunity. Do you think they'll leave the light on for us?